Shirley V. Baltz (1922–2017)

Born and raised in Chicago, Shirley V. Baltz moved to Bowie, Maryland, with her husband George in 1950. Since then, she has devoted herself to researching history and historical properties, beginning with Belair Mansion, the nearby 1740s home of Provincial Governor Samuel Ogle. She spearheaded efforts for restoration of the house and participated in archaeological digs. The city of Bowie designated her their “official historian.” She also participated in a recreation, working from the Maryland Hall of Records, of Annapolis, the state capital, from 1695 until after the American Revolution. She was hired by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission to survey other historic sites. She served on the Board of Directors of the Prince George's County Hall of Fame. [adapted from: Therese C. Yewell, Women of Achievement in Prince George's County, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 1994, p. 128]